Fleet refueling is evolving, and for a lot of businesses it is not a simple switch from one solution to another. Many fleets are operating a mix of conventional and electric vehicles (EVs), a model that is set to define the transition for the foreseeable future.
Rather than trying to make everything fit into one model, many fleet managers are embracing a mixed approach. Being able to use different vehicles for different jobs, with the flexibility to adjust as demands shift allows fleets to operate as efficiently as possible. The real challenge is making sure it all runs smoothly day to day.
Here’s a few simple ways fleets are making that work.
1. Keep everything in one place where you can
One of the easiest ways to make life harder than it needs to be is splitting administration of fuel and charging costs and payments across different systems. Multiple cards, multiple invoices, multiple bits of admin.
Using tools such as bp’s Fuel & Charge card helps bring it all back together. Drivers can use one card for both fuel and charging, and everything sits in one place for the fleet manager, taking any juggling out of the job.
2. Plan routes with both fuel and charging in mind
With a mixed fleet, a bit of planning goes a long way. Drivers should not have to figure out where to stop when they are already on the road.
The Fuel & Charge app allows drivers to find nearby fuel sites and available chargers, so that stops can be planned in advance. It sounds small, but having this visibility can remove any last-minute decisions and wasted time.
3. Use each vehicle for what it does best
Not every job suits an EV, and not every job needs an ICE vehicle. The fleets getting the most out of a mixed setup are the ones that play to each vehicle’s strengths.
EVs are typically better suited to well-planned, more predictable routes while conventional petrol or diesel vehicles still make sense for longer or heavier-duty work. Having both in the mix gives fleets the flexibility to choose the right tool for the job, and that is where the real value lies.
4. Keep track of costs across the whole fleet
Managing costs becomes more complex when you’re working across multiple energy types, especially if everything is tracked separately.
Bringing all spend into one place can make a significant difference. Tools like bp’s online account manager, FleetExpert or bp Fleet Manager help provide a clearer, more complete view of fleet activity. With better visibility, fleet managers can identify inefficiencies and find opportunities to improve performance.
5. Build flexibility into your fleet
This is probably the biggest benefit of running a mixed fleet. You are not locked into one single approach or technology.
If costs shift, if routes evolve, or if your business grows, you have room to adapt. You can scale up EV adoption where it delivers most value, while retaining conventional ICE vehicles where they remain essential. It gives you a bit of breathing space rather than forcing big decisions too quickly.
So, what does the future look like?
For most fleets, the future is neither fully fuel-based nor fully electric - for most, it will be a bit of both. Mixed fleets are becoming the practical option because they help businesses stay flexible, keep costs under control, and keep vehicles on the road without unnecessary complexity.
It’s not about getting everything perfect straightaway. It’s about making practical, well-informed changes that work in the real world.
Explore how bp can support your fleet, whatever stage you are at on your EV transition journey today.
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